« | Psalm 58 | » |
1 For the end. Destroy not; by David, for a memorial. If you do indeed speak righteousness, [then] do you judge rightly, you sons of men?
2 For you work iniquities in [your] hearts in the earth; your hands plot unrighteousness.
3 Sinners have gone astray from the womb; they go astray from the belly; they speak lies.
4 Their venom is like [that] of a serpent; as [that] of a deaf asp, and that stops her ears;
5 which will not hear the voice of charmers, nor [heed] the charm prepared skillfully by the wise.
6 God has crushed their teeth in their mouth; God has broken the teeth of the lions.
7 They shall utterly pass away like water running through; he shall bend his bow till they shall fail.
8 They shall be destroyed as melted wax; the fire has fallen, and they have not seen the sun.
9 Before your pots you can feel the white thorn, He shall swallow you up as living, as in His wrath.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance of the ungodly; he shall wash his hands in the blood of the sinner.
11 And a man shall say, Verily then there is a reward for the righteous; verily there is a God that judges them in the earth.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.